"Is this the Express Bus?"

So, our first full day saw us getting up early to pay the three $U.S. dollars it took to take the "express" bus to Belmopan. As it turned out, the driver just told us what we wanted to hear and 'express' in Belize doesn't have the same meaning as in Canada...Anyway, it was an adventure and it definitely was a real slice of culture. Took a second bus into San Ignacio and over lunch decided what to do with the rest of our weekend. Realized that we had enough time to make it to Xunantunich (pronounced Shoe-nan-too-nich,) a Mayan ruin site, which I must say was quite impressive. Xunantunich stands for "Stone Warrior."It is relatively small by Mayan Ruin standards but the Temple was very very impressive, the sun was hot, hot HOT and we got some fabulous shots. It was also practically deserted and afforded us a wicked (and cooler) view from the top!

Schlepped it back to the hotel, an oasis in the unbearable heat and humidity. We have one of those cool cabanas on sticks with the thatched palm frond roofs and an enclosed deck with hammock! ABSOLUTE heaven! And with the only pool in town, great soca and raggae music and a capable bartender, this is the place to be! Walked into town and went into a restaurant that smelled good and had lots of people in it (a sure sign that it's a good place to eat) and had a succulent dinner of organic lamb, rice and veggies! I practically licked the plate clean!

Tomorrow, we are off on an excellent adventure of hiking and swimming and wriggling through caves to make it to some hidden underground Mayan ruins! It's supposedly one of the most spectacular and unique experiences you can have while in Belize, so I am very excited! it is an all-day event taking 10 hours, so I think it is definitely going to make excellent blog fodder for tomorrow!!

Stay tuned!